GCSE results hit record levels

Overcoming the challenge of the new ‘harder’ exams with most ‘grades’ now being awarded as numbers from 9-1, pupils at St Bede’s have achieved record GCSE results in 2018. With attainment levels in the core subjects of English, maths, science and religious education reaching new heights, it was a day of celebration for students, staff and parents.

Among the large group of high fliers were the following individuals: Sadek Al-Timini (one 9, five 8s, four 7s), Jemima Clarke (four 9s, four 8s, two 7s), Lottie Drawbridge (eight 9s, two 8s, one 7), Alex Fonseka (one 9, five 8s, three 7s, two A*), Anna Garlick (four 9s, five 8s, one 7, one A), William Garrood (three 9s, six 8s, one 7), James Greatwood (one 9, four 8s, five 7s), Pippa Hooper (eight 9s, one 8, two 7s), Livia Hui (five 9s, five 8s, one 7), Ellen Loft (seven 9s, two 8s, one A*), Lauren McGhie (seven 9s, three 8s, one 7), Mark Morris (seven 9s, two 8s, one A), Tara Russell (three 9s, six 8s, one 7), Madeline Sebastian (six 8s, four 7s, one A*), Daniel Selwood (six 9s, two 8s, one 7, two As), Jack Seward (six 9s, three 8s, one 7, one A*), Aisling Solomons (four 9s, three 8s, four 7s), Azura Stones (four 9s, five 8s, two 7s), Amy Talbot (eight 9s, two 8s, one 7), Sophie Thompson (seven 9s, one 8, three 7s), Judith Udoyeh (four 9s, four 8s, one 7, one A*) and Niamh Whelan (six 9s, four 8s, one 7). With a low number of students nationally expected to achieve eight or more level 9 passes, it was encouraging to see three St Bede’s students reach this mark.

Headteacher Stephen Crabtree praised the work of staff and students as he congratulated the whole year group. “The results bring great credit to a talented group of individuals,” he said. “There was a degree of nervousness this year as the exams have changed so much and we are really proud of the grades achieved.”

“Due to the excellent GCSE results, we are confident that the Progress 8 value added measure will be significantly positive when this is published later this year. This indicates the excellent progress students have made at St Bede’s. We look forward to welcoming the majority of the year group back into our 6th form along with a number of external students.”